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I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.John 16:33 NIV

I’m a worrier … a chicken.

Folks who know me will tell you I err on the side of caution because I worry. I’m not sure why. As a child, I was always fearful. My fears were unwarranted. Still, I was afraid. Being brave was hard.

It doesn’t surprise me that through the years God has allowed me to be placed in situations where I was forced to overcome my fear and simply trust. That’s God. He does this so He can grow us.

From the fears of a little child, to watching my adult children go through life issues I didn’t think they—or I—could survive, there was always fear. So when the MRI tech latched my head and chest tightly to a table and slid me into the machine’s chamber, I knew fear would push me to the brink.

The tech peered through the eye slot. “You okay?” He patted my shoulder and assured me I’d be fine. The machine started. I closed my eyes and remembered, Be strong and of good courage for I am with you. Take heart, I’ve overcome the world for you.

God knows this child all too well, and He’d been preparing me long in advance for this moment. Through a Bible study, I’d gleaned Scriptures and promises that fit my situation perfectly. He wanted me to have peace through this ordeal.

Jesus knew the trouble, pain, and anxiety He was about to face. He tried to gently forewarn His disciples that trouble would come. They would grieve for Him, but they couldn’t get their heads around what Jesus was preparing them for. He’d said these things repeatedly, but it wasn’t until this last time that the disciples finally understood. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace … I have overcome the world.

The world makes every effort to strike fear into us. It uses our vulnerabilities to bring us down to its level. But we have the advantage. We have the truth that Jesus overcame the world. There is no need for us to fear.

When fear grasps hold—attempting to choke the hope out of you—remember the promise. Remember what Jesus has already done. He overcame the world … for you.

Cindy Sproles

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the Executive Editor of www.christiandevotions.us and www.inspireafire.com. Cindy is the acquisitions editor for SonRise Books and Straight Street Books, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She teaches at writers conferences and women's conferences nationwide. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.